SPORT

FAI pay tribute to the first ever Soccer Writers Association Personality of the Year winner

The FAI have led the tributes to ex-League of Ireland footballer Dan McCaffrey who has passed away at the age of 86.

Omagh-born McCaffrey was the first ever winner of the Soccer Writers Association of Ireland Personality of the Year award after helping Drumcondra to the title in 1960-61 with 29 goals.

He played for a number of other clubs including Sligo Rovers, Waterford, Cork Hibernians, Drogheda, Castlebar Celtic and Omagh Town. McCaffrey also represented Derry City and Crusaders as well as English Southern League clubs Worcester City, Yeovil Town and Boston United.

"Dan McCaffrey was a real gentlemen and had a marvellous career in the League of Ireland. I met him at a number of SWAI Awards evenings and he was rightly proud of being the first ever winner of their Personality of the Year Award," said FAI CEO John Delaney.

"It is sad day for the league and we send our sympathies to his family at this time. We will pay tribute to his memory at our next home international."